Freedive Aotearoa

SSI Freedive Level 1 — Bay of Islands

$100.00
$100.00
Sale
SSI Freediver · Foundations · Bay of Islands

SSI Freedive Level 1

Your first real breath-hold — or your foundations, done properly.

$799 full course — your $100 deposit today locks your spot and includes your SSI online learning. The same syllabus taught worldwide; what's different is who teaches it, where you do it, and the recovery work woven through.

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Before you book, complete your self-check medical form. Flagged on page one? You get a second chance on page two. Still flagged? Print page three and take it to a doctor to sign you off.

Level 1 is where you learn all things freediving — the foundations, done properly.

Two days, structured and certified. Whether it's your first real breath-hold or you're an avid ocean person with no formal certification, this is where you start.

Who this is for
—You've snorkelled or done the Taster Day and want the next thing
—You're a scuba diver moving across to freediving
—You want a certification that travels (SSI is recognised globally)
—You've been freediving but realised there's a bit more to it
—Spearos looking to lean in
What we cover
Day One — Theory & Pool
Breath-hold physiology: oxygen, CO₂, the mammalian dive reflex
Equalisation: Frenzel technique, troubleshooting
Static and dynamic apnea — pool sessions
Safety: rescue, recovery, buddy protocols
SSI digital learning, completed at your pace
Day Two — Open Water
Pre-dive prep and equalisation review
Free immersion to 10m
Constant weight (with fins) to depth
Safety drills with your buddy
Surface recovery breath sequencing
Skill assessment and certification
Where it happens
—Kawakawa Pool — pool sessions
—Freedive Studio, 30 Selwyn Road, Paihia — theory, breathwork, recovery
—Bay of Islands open-water site
What's included
—Two full days of instruction
—Diving some of the top dive sites in the world
—Recovery space, sauna & cold-plunge (contrast therapy)
—SSI Freediver digital materials & certification
—All equipment hire (wetsuit, mask, fins, weights, computer if needed)
—Pool entry and dive-site fees
—Hot drinks throughout
What you'll certify to

SSI Freediver — internationally recognised, lifetime certification. You'll be qualified to freedive in a buddy team to 20m, worldwide.

What to bring
Togs Towel Any dive gear you have Water bottle Snacks / lunch Warm clothes A good night's sleep
Who teaches it

Sacha Williamson

First female Freediving Instructor Trainer in New Zealand (second overall). 25+ years of professional ocean experience — including research diving with NIWA on the Kermadec Islands and commercial diving across 45 countries. XPT Performance Breathing Coach. AdventureMark and Qualmark accredited.

You're learning from an Instructor Trainer — the person who teaches other instructors.

Frequently asked

Do I need to be fit?

Reasonable cardiovascular fitness helps, but there's no benchmark. You'll do more harm trying to be "ready" than just showing up.

Do I buy the e-learning separately?

No — SSI digital materials are included in the course price.

What if I can't equalise to depth?

We build to depth gradually. Many people limit out around 10–15m on Level 1 and that's a pass. Depth isn't the point — competence is.

What's the buddy system?

You'll be paired with another student or the instructor. Solo freediving is never taught and never permitted on our courses.

Refund policy?

Full refund up to 14 days before; within 14 days we'll reschedule you to the next cohort. Full policy here.

“

The best freediving experience I've ever had. World-class instructors.

Google Review
How it goes

Pick your date below — small cohorts.

1Pick your date — a little flexibility in your range lets us choose the optimal weather window.
2Pay your deposit to secure your place.
3Get the SSI app and register online — affiliate with Freedive Aotearoa so your materials load to your app.

Note: the deposit is non-refundable. It includes your online materials and certification, yours to keep.

Safety, certification & accreditation

An SSI Instructor Training Centre — one of very few in New Zealand.

SSI
Instructor Training Centre
AdventureMark
Certified
Qualmark
Accredited
WorkSafe-aligned
Safety Management System

Start with your foundations.

Flexible on dates? Even better — we'll pick the optimal weather window with you.